A visit to Mom's

Hi all. I recently went and visited with my mother, in order to get her taxes done. As well as the taxes, this was also a visit in order to check on her to make sure that she’s ok. You see, she’s elderly and lives in her own house alone. I live about 4 hours away from her and if something were to happen, I can’t be there right away, so I try to get there as often as I can.

A major concern of mine is that her memory is beginning to slip and I’m not sure what to do about that. As time goes on, it becomes more and more of an issue. I’ve started a conversation with her on the future, but she’s a very independent person and isn’t very open to too many suggestions or ideas (from me or anyone else).

Another thing that came up during this visit was the general cleanliness of her home as well as her personal hygiene. I am stumped as to what to do about this one. I told myself that before I left I was going to begin a conversation on what are her boundaries on what is ok for me to talk about and what is not. I mean is it ok for me to mention that she’s not doing a good job of cleaning, etc. Well, I had several moments when I could have talked about it, but instead I wimped out and didn’t say anything. As I drove away, I was so mad at myself. Unfortunately there was nobody to yell at or blame except for myself. I have always found it extremely difficult to say boo to my mother. I’m not sure what that’s about, but it is the truth. So this was no exception to that rule.

I’m really confused about this. You see, she is an adult and has feelings and her own belief systems. I know that when I get older, I’m not going to want my son coming into my home and telling me that I’m not taking care of myself or my surroundings. I know if I say something to her, she going to get reactive and most likely be mad at me. This is exactly what happened when I first went with her to visit her Doctor a while ago. I had noticed the memory problem and felt that her Doctor needed to know about it. After that visit she threw her car keys at me and mumbled all the way home. It was a while before she spoke with me. It wasn't a nice time for either of us. Again, I’d most likely react the same if this happened to me.

So, what do I do now? Do I continue to say nothing to her about the cleanliness situation? Or do I, do as my wife is suggesting and confront my mother about it? She suggests that I let my mother know that this is not going to be a comfortable conversation for either of us and then jump right in.

Any ideas?

Structured Procrastination

Now Structured Procrastination, is something that I can absolute relate to.

As I said on another blog on this subject, "Oh my God!!! I have finally found MY new role model and web site to follow. I just did't know that it had a name. This is just wonderful and I can't wait to tell my wife that this is why our bathroom remodel is on it's 3rd year. :-)"

Technology is amazing - Updated

Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir - 'Lux Aurumque'

This is best watched in Full Screen and a higher resolution.

I have an update here.

This is a lone singer in this and of course she's blonde and has a great smile.

First Snow Lillies

I guess that this is a sure sign that spring is finally upon us. Took this picture just today out in the yard.

Millbrook Historical Society

Last night I had the pleasure of presenting the Walkway Over the Hudson picture and story presentation to the MillBrook Historical Society. When I was first asked to do this by my friend Fred, who had to run to Florida for a week, I was a little nervous about doing it. First I had never made the presentation before and also, this was to a Historical Society. I thought that it was kind of like preaching to the choir. These people know history, who the heck am I to try and show them anything about it?

However, as it turned out, it was a total success. I was very relaxed doing the presentation and could actually answer all of their questions, of which there were many.

Again, I've been shown that sometimes you just need to face your fears and jump in with both feet. You tend to know more than you realize. It was a real boost to hear the clapping and thank-you's for a great job.

Up on the Walkway

This past weekend I was up on the Walkway Bridge volunteering. The picture below is one that I took of a train that was going by. Look at how long it was, you can see it sort of bending around the shoreline and then continuing out of sight around the bend. I was impressed with the length of it. You can click on the picture to see a slightly larger image.



I was there because Parks people had gone to get training, so several us simply covered the bridge is case anyone needed any help, etc. So while I was doing this I used a measuring wheel and measured out the span in tenths of miles. It seems that Fred (Chairman of the Walkway Over the Hudson organization) had been asked several times from visitors to the bridge for this information. They simply wanted to know how far they were walking. We always knew that the total span, gate to gate was 1.28 miles long, but unless you go all the way there was no way of know what distance you had traveled.

So there I was measuring away and chatting with folks that would stop me to talk or ask about my task. One couple I remember well because as they approached me, he simply asked, “what you got so far?” Without missing a beat I replied, “sore feet”. I thought they were going to fall off of the bridge, they were laughing so hard. :-)

I knew something from volunteering there last fall and it is really just growing stronger. I really love being up on the bridge and interacting with the people there. You see, there is no tension or bad vibes up there. Everyone is there to just have a good time. People are walking, jogging, bike riding, pushing baby carriages, just all sorts. The thing that amazes me is that everyone is taking with each other. Even the tough looking kids are just moving along and talking.

Seeing everyone in that state of mind is just wonderful, because it’s so easy to smile and to get others to do the same. I have sort of befriended a guy named Don, who worked volunteered as a fireman for some 57 years. He feels exactly the same way that I do about the bridge and its effect on people.

Please get away and come for a walk or bike ride with me. You won’t be sorry that you did, it’s just fun and the views are spectacular.

Beautiful Earth Views

This is a link to a video called Beautiful Earth Views 1. It is an assume HD High Definition Music Video with views that'll blow you away.

Before watching it, I highly recommend that you change the setting so that you're watch in 780p and Full Screen. These settings are in the lower right on the YouTube window.

Enjoy!

The latest Rube Goldberg Machine

This is just fun, check it out.

Kary Broffman Prints

Recently I went to a showing of some art items by a friend of mine, Kary Broffman. I wasn't sure what to expect. You never know what you'll be viewing until you get there. I remember going to an art gallery with my wife to see an artists paintings. When we got there, what was being displayed was not the work that my wife wanted to see, it was more abstract art. Well, as above, I didn't know what to expect, but when I saw a potrait called "the lake" or something like that, I was blown away! You see on the canvas was a square and a triangle. How this artist called it a lake is way beyond me. To put it mildly, I can't say that it was my favotiate.

So, where was I...Oh yes Kary. As I started the viewing process, some I liked more than others. But there were some that really caught my eye from a composition and beauty perspective and then there were some that I had never seen the technique being used before and was very facinated and wanted to know more about it. One was called Cyanotype or Sun Printing. It's really cool and I can't wait until spring when I can try it. You see, it's winter right now and there isn't much sun available. Anyway, I have a sign that describes the process, so I'll let Kary explain the process in her own words.

It should be noted here that the pictures below have been modified and might not have the proper perspective in them. You see, they were mounted under glass and in order to photograph them, I had to stand off at an angle so that I didn't get a reflection in them. Sorry about that Kary, but it couldn't be helped.

If you want to see larger images, just click on it.












I've included this picture just because I like it. I have taken lots of pictures of flowers and I like the colors and texture that is produced from them.



Thanks again Kary

It will get better

This Garfield cartoon was in our paper this morning and it kind of says how I've been feeling lately. Of course the optimist side of me says that it can only get better from here..

Note: Click on the cartoon to see it bigger.